​​20% Alternative Pathways Pledge - Frequently Asked Questions

“We, the undersigned, commit that 20% of all digital entry-level hires within our organisations will come from alternative educational pathways by 2030”.  

Tech sector refers to the combined workforce employed either:

• a tech-related organisation (direct tech sector)
• a tech occupation employed in a non-tech organisation (indirect tech sector).  

Australia’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector includes ICT workers in 29 core occupations in both direct ICT industries and other industries.

Is a skilled individual who is:  

• in either a technical or non-technical role.  
• employed in tech related occupations, such as software programmer, ICT specialist, or network professional.  

Accenture’s ICT Industry Landscape report focusses on 29 occupations which include technical and non-technical occupations in both the direct and indirect tech sectors (slides 7 and 49). 

Entry-level hires are individuals with 0–3 years of experience in digital roles, this includes:

• recent vocational graduates
• school leavers
• career changers new to the digital field.  

Organisations can use their own terminology, if it aligns with this broad definition. 

Start by identifying your entry-level hires using employee data, CVs, or onboarding surveys. Set a headcount target for alternative pathway hires based on your organisation’s readiness and ability to support them.

The goal is to reach 20% by 2030, but progress can vary—some organisations may already meet or exceed this, while others may start with a small pilot and build over time.

Measurement processes will be developed in 2025 and used as a baseline through to 2030—no retrospective data is required.

Mature workers transitioning to a new career or parents and carers returning to work after a career break can be counted under the Pledge, if they have come through an alternative pathway and are an entry level hire.  

For example,  a teacher who has completed digital micro-credentials (but no prior work experience in a digital role) would be counted under the Pledge. Similarly, a candidate currently working as a project manager who has completed a digital skills bootcamp (but only 6 months of work experience in a digital role) would be counted under the Pledge.

The Pledge is a NSW-led initiative, launched in response to Australia’s projected shortfall of 186,000 digital workers by 2030—including 85,000 needed in NSW alone.

While the Pledge is rooted in NSW, the challenge is national—and so is the ambition. The NSW Government has taken a leadership role, laying the groundwork for broader adoption across Australia.

Many Compact Partners operate nationally and see value in implementing the Pledge at scale.  

Organisations are encouraged to apply the Pledge in ways that align with their structure—whether state-based or national—while contributing to the shared goal of building a more inclusive, skilled digital workforce for Australia.

The Pledge is not legally binding and will not be subject to formal audit. Making this commitment signals the intention that the organisation will take all reasonable steps to achieve the Pledge by 2030.  

Participating organisations are expected to demonstrate meaningful progress through an annual reporting process. The reporting process has been developed in close collaboration with Compact partners to ensure it is practical, constructive, and focuses on learning and continuous improvement. 

Signatories are part of a collective movement; progress is stronger when we move forward together. While attendance isn’t mandatory, active participation in quarterly events is strongly encouraged to share insights, learn from others, and help drive the collective success. 

Even if you are not an implementer of the Pledge, the digital skills gap affects us all.  By signing, you help build momentum, increase sector representation, and strengthen the collective impact.  There are different roles including:

• Implementers – hiring and supporting entry-level talent from alternative pathways  
• Advocates – promoting the Pledge across networks and sectors  
• Enablers – supporting the ecosystem through policy, funding, services or influence.  

The journey to 2030 is a shared one—and no organisation is expected to do it alone.  

Support will evolve as we learn together—ensuring organisations of all sizes and stages can confidently take action and contribute to lasting change. Signatories will receive ongoing support through practical guidance, shared resources, and access to a growing knowledge base informed by real experiences across the Compact community.